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Tea meets technology: How data & innovation are shaping beverage industry
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Thursday, 30 October, 2025, 15 : 00 PM [IST]
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Ishita Malpani
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Tea is one of the most beloved beverages across the globe, and different countries have their own tea cultures. In India, people consider tea to be the go-to solution for every problem. For China, it’s a symbol of tradition, and in Japan, tea is an art form also known as the Japanese tea ceremony. While these preconceived notions give us an idea on tea’s appeal, the global tea market is evolving with changing customer demands and technological advancements. According to a report, the tea market is valued at USD 150.32 billion and expected to reach USD 202.44 billion by 2030.
The global tea business is transforming beyond traditional limits. Innovation is redefining every step of its journey by infusing tradition with precise technology. Today's consumers are not just looking for a hot drink; they are seeking wellness, sustainability, and customisation. This shift in mindset is compelling tea manufacturers to reinvent the way tea is produced, processed, and shipped. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning, and data analytics, previously used by sectors like finance and manufacturing, are brewing the future for tea. Let us discuss in detail how innovation is transforming the industry.
Tea plantations have always been dependent on nature. Rainfall, soil conditions, and temperature determine yield and taste. But with climate change leading to unpredictable patterns, conventional methods are no longer sufficient. That's where AI and IoT-powered precision agriculture come into the picture.
Indian, Kenyan, and Chinese tea plantations now employ smart sensors and AI-driven drones to track plant health, soil humidity, and pest infestation. These devices collect real-time data to schedule irrigation, detect disease, and optimise the use of fertilisers. What was previously subject to a farmer's expertise is now enabled through data-driven precision. For tea farmers, timing is everything. Being too early or late by even a few days can change the taste, smell, and market price of the leaves. Predictive analytics empowers farmers with insights to plan better, reduce losses, and ensure consistency across batches of tea.
It's not only about efficiency, it's about sustainability. AI helps farmers save resources, reduce water and pesticide overuse, and produce stronger plants. Tea cultivation is now more sustainable with the combination of new technology and decade-old knowledge.
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Tea tasting is an art form that has been handed down over the centuries. Master blenders can detect nuances of scent and texture that no machine ever could. Now, AI-based technology is pushing the limits of sensory analysis. Tools like ProfilePrint apply machine learning to identify the best tea sample. Its quality, grade, and flavour profile can be assessed by the system in just seconds, all without human intervention. What was previously a subjective experience is becoming scientific, making way for standardisation and transparency across markets. This, however, does not replace human skills. Blenders and tasters continue to infuse the craft with soul, but AI provides them with information to make better decisions.
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With global consumers becoming environmentally aware, the tea sector is under pressure to establish its green credentials. Blockchain technology is emerging as a prominent means to guarantee traceability and ethical sourcing.
By combining blockchain with AI analysis, tea producers can follow every link in the supply chain, from the estate where the tea was cultivated to the shelf where it is sold. Consumers can scan a QR code to learn about the farm’s sustainability practices, worker welfare, and packaging materials. For brands, this transparency builds trust and loyalty; for farmers, it opens access to premium markets that reward ethical production. Additionally, regenerative agriculture, a practice emphasising soil health and biodiversity, is increasingly catching on with data-backed information at its heels. AI-based tools evaluate soil nutrients and microbial life, guiding crop rotation planning and reducing chemical use.?
As technology is revolutionising the production of tea, it's also changing the way it's consumed. Tea consumer now expects experiences that are customised to their liking. AI-driven personalisation is leading this change. Platforms now suggest personalised blends according to a person's health, taste preferences, and even mood. A stressed-out consumer may be offered a carefully blended batch of chamomile and ashwagandha, while an energy-seeking consumer is directed towards matcha and ginseng.
Smart brewing equipment is also revolutionising convenience. Automated teapots and connected kettles adjust temperature, steeping time, and leaf-to-water ratio for the perfect cup every time. Some even sync with mobile apps that have user profiles and brewing histories stored in them. Technology has eliminated the guesswork involved in making tea so that consumers can enjoy café-quality tea at home. The social tea experience is also changing. Sommelier-led virtual tea tastings across augmented and virtual reality platforms are enabling drinkers on different continents to experience the ritual of tea together. At the same time, mixologists are experimenting with tea in specialty drinks, combining it with botanicals, fruits, and even spirits. International fusions such as matcha mojitos or jasmine gin spritzers are introducing tea to a new age of drinkers who seek novelty and authenticity.
While tea continues to evolve, its essence remains timeless. Technology is not replacing tradition; it's improving the process. From forecasting harvests to developing bespoke blends, from guaranteeing ethical sourcing to developing interactive experiences, data is refining the magic that has always been associated with tea. The tea story, once penned by nature and caregiver, now has a different hand: data. Yet the essence remains unchanged — thoughtful, timeless, and deeply human.
(The author is managing director at Amruta Tea)
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